Evaluación de la memoria declarativa asociada con contenido emocional en pacientes lobectomizados

Several studies have demonstrated that long-term declarative memory is enhanced by emotional arousal contents. Additionally, the role of the temporal lobe in memory associated to emotional stimuli has been evaluated through the audio-visual Emotional Memory Test, where emotional content is presented by complex narratives. The present study examined if Token Test's performance influenced the long-term retention associated to emotional arousal in patients undergoing unilateral temporal lobectomy. A sample of 48 volunteers, were evaluated by Trail Making Test, Token Test and audio-visual Test. Patients didn't show a mnemonic enhancement effect, particularly, those with left lobectomy. Low Token's performance did not show any correlation with audio-visual Test's performances. Results highlight the importance of left temporal lobe for long-term enhancement of declarative memory associated to emotional events.